A Day of Comfort Food: Signature Recipes From My Mom

In today’s video, I’m thrilled to have my mom join me to share some of her signature recipes, many of which have become staples in our household over the years. These dishes not only remind me of my childhood but are also favorites that bring immense comfort and joy. From a crispy, puffed-up breakfast bread to a rich and flavorful coconut chicken curry, each dish is a reflection of love and tradition. Let’s dive into a full day of delicious home-cooked meals, starting with breakfast and finishing off with a hearty dinner.

Breakfast: Pal Patri and Coconut Milk

The first meal of the day is always exciting, especially when it involves Pal Patri, a type of deep-fried, puffy rice bread. This dish is a traditional breakfast item in our family, and it’s similar to nai Patil but unique in its preparation. Pal Patri is made by mixing roasted rice flour and semolina with salt in a bowl, then gradually adding boiling water to form a dough. The dough should not be too stiff or too loose but just right for shaping.

To prepare Pal Patri, small balls of dough are formed, and each ball is flattened out, either by hand or with a bottle press, onto a greased cling wrap. The key is to not flatten it too thin, as a thicker dough allows it to puff up beautifully when deep-fried in hot oil. The moment you drop the dough into the oil, it inflates into a soft, light, crispy bread. It’s a joy to watch it puff up, and the texture is delightful.

While this dish is usually enjoyed with coconut milk, on other occasions, we pair it with chicken curry or mutton masala, especially when we have it for dinner. My parents typically eat oats daily, but on special days like this, my mom makes these dishes as a treat for us. This breakfast is always a hit, and it's a nostalgic comfort food that holds a special place in my heart.

Lunch: Kerala-Style Rice Meal with Prawn Curry

Moving on to lunch, my mom often prepares a Kerala-style rice meal, a perfect combination of tangy, spicy, and flavorful dishes. One of the standout accompaniments is her Chili Mango. This tangy side dish is made by cubing raw mangoes (slightly sweet ones) and then mixing them with salt, red chili powder, fenugreek powder, and sugar. The mango sits for an hour or longer to release its juices, transforming into a pickle-like condiment that's the ideal match for rice.

Another delicious dish my mom makes is Prawn Marina Curry, a simple yet flavorful curry that’s easy to prepare. The prawns are cooked with moringa, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onions, red chili powder, turmeric, and coriander powder. Coconut oil is heated in a pan, and mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds are spluttered before the spice mixture is added. After adding water, the curry is covered and simmered for about 15 minutes. A coconut paste made with coconut, shallots, and coconut milk powder is added to give the curry a rich texture. Finally, a tempering of shallots and curry leaves is prepared in coconut oil and poured over the curry to enhance the flavors. This curry is best enjoyed with plain steamed rice, and it never fails to impress.

In addition to the curry, my mom also prepares a Prawn Fry, which is a must-have at every lunch. The prawns are marinated with red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and garlic, and then fried in coconut oil. This crispy, spicy prawn fry is a favorite among everyone at the table. Whenever this dish is served, it’s always met with smiles and satisfied stomachs.

Evening Snack: Crunchy Cornflake Bars

For an evening snack, my mom makes Crunchy Cornflake Bars, a nutritious and simple treat that everyone in the family loves. This recipe involves dry-roasting cornflakes in a pan until they become crisp. Butter is then melted, and pitted dates are cooked on low heat until they soften and begin to melt into a syrupy consistency. Once the dates are ready, the cornflakes and almonds are added to the mixture and thoroughly combined. The mixture is then spread into a small pan, pressed down, and allowed to cool. Once set, the bars are cut into pieces, creating a crunchy and satisfying snack.

This treat is a favorite in our household, especially with the kids. Despite not having any chocolate, these bars are surprisingly delicious, and the sweetness from the dates adds a natural flavor that everyone enjoys. It’s a simple recipe that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Dinner: Coconut Chicken with Puri

For dinner, my mom often prepares a comforting Coconut Chicken, a Malabari dish that has been a part of our family for years. The chicken is cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and an array of spices such as red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly, freshly grated coconut is added to the mix, giving the curry a rich and creamy texture. The dish is simmered for another 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. The finishing touch is a generous amount of coconut oil and curry leaves, which adds an extra layer of flavor.

While this dish is traditionally paired with Nee Patil (a fried bread), my mom serves it with puris, which are also a great accompaniment. The puris soak up the rich coconut sauce perfectly, and the combination is divine. This meal brings back so many childhood memories for me. I remember getting excited every time my mom made this dish, and that same excitement still fills me today.